CHAPTER 6

RELAXATIONS AND CONCESSIONS FOR SCHEDULED CASTES AND

SCHEDULED TRIBES CANDIDATES
MHA Resolution Age Limit
No. 42119/51-NGS D' .
dated 25-6-52 and zrect recruztment
No. 15/l/55-(SC1)
dated 3~55, and
61Th'
• lmlt prescn 'b ed for d"trect recrUItment to a servIce
e maXImUm age-1" ,
Deptt. of Person- age-limit prescribed for direct recruitment to a service or post shall be increased
;~i!s..~'NO(~ by 5 years in the case of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and
dated 8-12-71, Scheduled Tribes.
Dq>tt. of Person- .
nel OM. No. Promotzon
~~1~~~~t::81. 6.2 Where an upper age-limit not exceeding 50 years is prescribed for
promotion to a service/post it shall be relaxed by 5 years in the case of candidates belonging
to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This, however, would not apply to posts which
have arduous field duties or are meant for operational safety and to posts in para-
Military Organisations.
Fees for examination/selection
Deptt. of Person- 6.3 The candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
ne! & Trg. OM. will not be required to pay any fees for admission to any recruitment
No. 36013/3/84- •. / I '
Estt. (SCI) dt. exammahon se echon.
1-7-85.

In Direct Recruit- Recruitment

ment DP & AR:
OM. No. 27/10/ Relaxation of Experience qualification in Direct Recruitment
~~~;:'5_9_1~~1) 6.4 Where some period of experience is prescribed as an essential
qualification for direct recruitment to a post, and where, in the opinion of the Ministry/
Department concerned, the relaxation of the experience qualification will not be inconsistent
a
with efficiency, pro vision should be inserted under the 'Essential' qualification in column 7
of the Schedule to the relevant Recruitment Rules as at (a) or (b) below to enable the Union
Public Service Commission/competent authority to relax the 'experience' qualification in the
case of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates in the circumstances mentioned in the
prOVISlOns:-
(a) Where the post is filled by direct recruitment through the Union Public Service
. Commission the provision to be inserted will be:-
"The qualification regarding experience is relaxable at the discretion of
the Union Public Service Commission in the case of candidates belonging to the
Scheduled Castes ,or Scheduled Tribes, if at any stage of selection, the Union
. Pu~lic Service Commission, is of the opinion that sufficient num ber of candidates
from these communities possessing the requisite experience are not likely to be
available to fill up the vacancies reserved for them."
 (b) Where the post is filled by direct recruitmentotherwise than through the Union
Public Service Commission, the provision to be inserted will be:-
"The qualification regarding experience is relaxable at the discretion of the
competent authority in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes
or Scheduled Tribes. if at any stage of selection the competent authority is of the
opinion that sufficient number of candidates from these communities possessing
the requisite experience are not likely to be available to fill up the vacancies reser-
ved for them."
The Ministries/Departments etc. are accordingly to review the Recruitment Rules of all
the Posts in Groups A. B. C..and D. (Class I, II, III and IV) under them, and to make suitable
provision, wherever necessary, in the Recruitment Rules as mentioned above.
When any vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are adver-
tised or intimated to the Employment Exchange, it should be specifically mentioned in the
advertisement/requisition that the period of experience prescribed is relaxable, at the discre-
tion of the Union Public Service Commission or the competent authority, as the case may be,
in the case of Scheduled Castes/Tribes candidates as provided in the Recruitment Rules. This
is intended to ensure that the aspirants who may fall slightly short of the requisite experience
come to know about the possibility of relaxation in' their regard.
DP&AR O.M. No. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation has recommended that the
D1458/81-Estt. foot-note in column 7 of the Recruitment Rules should be further expanded by
(SeT) dated
21-5-81 adding the following sentence:
"The appointing authority shall record the reasons for relaxing the qualifications
regarding experience in writing while doing so"
Relaxation of standard of suitability in Direct Recruitment

MHAOM. No. 11 6.5 In direct recruitment whether by examination or otherwise, if suffi-

InG-Estt. (seT) cient number of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates are not available
dated 25-7-70. .
on the baSIS of the general standard to fill all the vacanCies reserved for them,
candidates belonging to these communities should be selected to [iUup the remaining vacan-
cies reserved for them provided they are not found unfit for such post or posts. Thus, to the
extent the number of vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes cannot
be filled on the basis of general standard, candidates belonging to these communities will be
taken by relaxed standard to make up the deficiency in the reserved quota, subject to the fit-
ness of these candidates for appointment to the post/posts in question.
Further relaxation of standards for non-technical and quasi-technical Group C and D (Class III
and IV) Posts in Direct Recuritment (otherwise through by examination)

MHA O.M. No. 6.6 In addition to the concession referred to in para7.5, in cases where
24/7/67(i)-Estt. the requisite number of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates fulfilling
~~CJ~dd~~~.2~~ even th'e r:elaxed standards admissible in their cases are not available to fill the
16/8/~Estt. vacancies reseved for them in non-technicalandquasi.technical Group C and
;;~6gated D (Class III and IV) Services/posts requiring to be filled by direct recruitment
otherwise than by written examination (i.e. on the basis 'of applications or
nominations form Employment 'Exchange whether followed by interview or not) the selecting
authorities should to the extent of the vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled
Tribes, select for appointment the best among the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled, Tribe can,.
didates who fulfil the minimum educational qualifications laid down in the notice for recurit-
ment or advertisement. In order to bring such candidates to the minimum standard necessary
for the posts and for the maintenance of efficiency of administration they should be given in-
service training. The in-service training will be provided by the appointing authorities within
their own offices. Such candidates will, on their appointment, be placed on probation and the
rules/orders regarding probation will apply to them.

Ministries/Departments should instruct all authorities under them to prepare a list of

non-technical and quasi-technical posts in Group C and D (Class III and IV) to which the
above orders apply. While notifying vacancies in such posts or advertising them, it should be
indicated that the posts are non-technical or quasi-technical in Group C and D (Class III
and IV), •

Deptt. of Penon- Where an educational qualification has been prescribed in the recruitment
~:ll%~~No. rules, all candidates including the SC & ST candidates shall satisfy the said
(scn dated ~S- qualification. Sometimes, a minimum number of marks or a minimum grade is
85 & 17-10-86. also prescribed as part of the educational qualification in the recruitment rules.
In such cases, the minimum marks/grade so prescribed shall also uniformly apply to all can-
didates including SC & ST candidates.

Relaxation of standards in departmental competitive examinations and confirmation

examinations
Deptt. of Peraon- 6.7 In promotions, through departmental competitive examinations and
in Departmental confirmation examinations where such examinations are pres-
nel & 0 ..M. No. 8/
~~=-~2-\~ cribed to determine the suitability of candidates for confirm'ations, Scheduled
Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates who have not 'acquired the general qualifying standard
should also be considered for promotion/confirmation provided they are not found unfit for
such promotions/confirmations. The qualifying standards in such examinations should be
relaxed in favour of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates in keeping with the
above criterion.

Relaxation of standards in departmental qualifying. examinations for promotion to the higher

. grade on the basis of senioritY subject to fitness
Deptt. of Penon- '6.8 In promotions made on the basis of seniority subject to fitness in
~tlO~R.:·NO. which there is reservation-for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes vide para
(scr: da~~~~l- 2.1 (iii).(c) and where a qualifying examination is. held to d~termine the fitness
1977. "", '" of cand,idates for su.ch promotion, suitable relaxation in the qualifying standard
in suoh examinations should be made in the cas~of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe can-
,~<iates~.The exi~nt of relaxation should, however, be decided on each occasion whenever
SHch an examination is held taking into account all releyan~ factors including (i) the number
pf vC\c,ancies.reserved (ii) the 'performance of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates as
well as general GC\ndidates in that. examination (iii) the. minimum standard of fitness for
appointment to -the .pos~ and also (iv) the OVerall strength. of the cadre and that of the
Scheduled· Castes and Scheduled Tribes in that cadre.
"
(i) Relaxation of standards in the case of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates in
examination for promotions
DP&ARO.M. No. Similar relaxation of standards should be made in favour of Scheduled
Castes/Scheduled
3601lI6n9-Estt. Tribes candidates in such departmental qualifying
(SCf) dated
19-4-1979 examinations for promohons also, where promotion is made by selection where
merit is determined by qualifying examination (and not by seniority-cum-fitness) out of the
qualified candidates. The extent of relaxation in these cases also should be decided on each
occasion whenever a qualifying examination is held taking into account all the relevant fac-
tors such as those referred to at (i) to (iv) in para 7.8 supra.
Separate interview of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates
MHAO.M. No. V 6.9 For reserved vacancies, interview of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
InG-Estt. Tribes candidates should be held on a day or sitting of the Selectioo Committee
(SCl)
dated 31-7-70
ot h er t h an th e d ay or slttmg
. , on w h'IC h genera 1 can d'd
1 ates are to b"e mtervtewe d
so that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates are not judged in comparison
with general candidates and the interviewing authoritylBoard is/are prominently aware of the
need for judging the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates by relaxed standards.
Number of candidates to be called for interview
Deptt.' of 6.10 In posts filled otherwise than through examination normally, six to
Personnel seven candidates belonging to the community for which the post is reserved may
OM.
b e ca 11d
No. 27/14nl-Estt.
(SCf) dated 3()-l- e ti'or tntervlew
. Iior eac h reserve d vacancy, su b']ect to ava il a b'l' f
1 l,ty 0 SUC
h
1973 candidates fulfilling the qualifications prescribed for the post. Where the res
ponse from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates is exceptionally good, the rec-
ruiting authority may, having regard to the merits of each case, call as many as 10 to 12 can-
didates of the respective category for each reserved vacancy for purpose of
interview/selection.

Travelling Allowance
Ministry,. of 6.11 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tn'bes candidates called for inter-
Finance OM. No. view by the Union Public Service Commission are entitled to a single II Class
5/25/ElV (b)/60,
dated 6-S-flO, 21-9- ral'Iway lare
I' from th e norma 1 pace
1 f 'd h
0 resl ence to t e pace
1 f '
0 mtervtew
,
60, 23-11-flO, 22-7- and back.
63 and 19-6-72 .
andN~. 19014(2~ When Scheduled Caste/Scheduled fnbe -candidates are called for inter-
is~):i;:n;a;::. view for appointment to Gr~-up'C and Group D (Class III and Class IV) adver-
19014/2IT1EIV tised posts recruitment to which is made departmentally (otherwise than
~l.dated 27-10- through the UPSC)~ the recruiting authority or the staff selection commission, as
the case may allow such candidates single II Class rail fares, chargeable by the passenger
train, by the"shortest route from the Railway Station nearest to their' nOIlIlal place of
residence or from which they actually perform the journey whichever isnearet to the place of
interview, and hack to the same station, provided the distance travelled by rail each way
exceeds fifty miles. No extra-charges if any, incurred for reserving seat/sleeping berth in the
train will;however be reimbursed to them. For road journeys between stations not connected
by rail, they maybe allowed actual bus fare or road mile age at the lowest rate lor Govern-
ment servants as admissible under the SUPI)}ementary Rules, whichever is less provided the
distance covered by road is more than 20 miles each way.
 The concession is applicable also to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates
as are called for a written test on the basis of which appointments to such Group C and
Group D (Class III and Class IV) advertised posts are made. The travelling ,allowance to the
candidates called for a written test will however, be admissible subject to the condition that
the written test and any interview that may also be necessary would be held at one and the
same stati,on and on the same or adjacent days so that the candidates would get travelling
allowance for only one journey to and from the place of selection.
These orders also apply to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates
called. through the Employment Exchanges for interview/written test for appointment to
Group C and Group D(Class III and Class IV) posts, recruitment to which is made
departmentally.
Min. of FinaJlCle , 'The above concessions will also apply to SC/ST candidates who are not
Deptt. of Expen-already in the service of the Central! a State Government, a Central!State
~;;I~I3~~mvNO. Government corporation, Public Sector Undertaking, local Government Institu-
(8) dt. 17-2-78 tion or Panchayat called for interview/written test for appointment to Groups A
and B posts recruitment to which is made otherwise than through the U.P .S.C. On case of rec-
ruitment made through the U.P .S.C., the SC/ST candidates will continue to the T A. under the
separate orders on the subject).
The SC/ST candidates will be entitled to T A. under the above mentioned orders irres-
pective of whether the interview/test is for appointment against posts reserved for
them or not.
Min. of Finance SC/ST candidates are also entitled to T A. even if the recruitment is made
Deptt. of &pen- departmentally subject to the condition that the fare for the first 30 Kms. is
diture OM. No. b b' h d·d
19()1412/~EIV orne Y t e can I ates.
dl2-11-82

Transfer of sweepers, farashes chowkidars etc. to the posts of peons

Deptt. of Per- 6.12 Twenty-five per cent of the vacancies accruing in the grade of peons
sonnel & AR. will be reserved for being filled by transfer of sweepers, farashes chowkidars etc.
OM. No. 42015/3/
75-Estt. (c) dated as h ave put In
. a mInimUm
. . 0
f filve years servIce
. even t h oug.h th ey :..nay not h e
16-1-1976and No. possessing minimum educational qualifications prescribed for direct recruit-
~~~s:.:f6-Estt. ment to the post. They should, however, possess elementary literacy and give
proof of ability to read either English or Hindi or regional language.
Resolution No. 42/19/51-NGS 25·6-52
O.M. No. 15/1/55-(SCT) 3Q-4-55
O.M. No. 24/7/67(i)-Estt. (SCT) 24-9-68
O.M. No. L'l/70-Estt. (SCT) 25-7-70
O.M. No. 1I1/70-Estt. (SCT) 31-7-70
O.M. No. 8/12/69-Estt (SCT) 23-12-70
OM. No. 2119/7o-Estt. (SCT) 8-12-71
O.M. No. 27/14/71-Estt. (SCT) 30-1-73
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 5/25/EIV (B)i60 6-5-60
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 5/25/EIV (B)/60 21-9-60
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 5/25/EIV(B)/60 23-11-60
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 5/25/EIV (B)/60 22-7-63
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 5/25/EIV (B)/60 19-6-72
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 19014/(2)/EIV (B)/74
O.M. No. 27/10/71-Estt (SeT) 5-9-75
O.M. No. 42015/3175-Estt.(C) 16-1-76
O.M. No. 36021110/76-Estt (SCT) 21-1-77
O.M. No. 36011/9/76-Estl (SCT) 14-7-76
O.M. No. 42015/1/76-Estt. (C) , 2-2-7i
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 19014/2/77EIV (B) 27-10-77
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 19014/3/77EIV (B) 17-2-78
O.M. No. 36011/6/79-Estt. (SCT) 19-4-79
O.M. No. 15012/2/81-Estt. (D) 8-4-81
No. D/1458J81-Estt. (SeD 21-5-81
Min. of Fin. O.M. No. 19014/2/So-EIV 2-11-82
O.M. No. 36011/8/84-Estt. (SCT) 29-5-85
O.M. No. ~6013/3/84-Estt. (SCT) 1:.7-85
O.M. No. 3601l/8/84rEstt. (SeT) 17-10-86
OMN AB-14017/27/89-Estt RR 20-6-89
 The policy of the Government of India in regard· to communal representation in services was laid down
in Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution No. 42/2l/49-NGS, dated the 13th September, 1950. Paragraph 4(3) of
the Resolution provides that the maximum age limit prescribed for appointment to a service or post will be
increased by three years in the case .of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes. and Scheduled Tribes. The
Government of India have examined the question whether any further relaxation in maximum age-limits is
necessary to secure greater representation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the public services. It
has now been decided that the maximum age limit prescribed for appointment to a non-gazetted service or post
will·-be increased by five years in the case of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes.
 In order to secure greater representation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the public ser-
vkes, the maximum age-limit prescribed for appointment to a non-gazetted service or post was increased Dyfive
years in the case of candidates belonging to these Castes. and Tribes vide Government of India. Ministry of
Home Affairs Resolution No. 42/19/51-NGS, dated the 25th June, 1952. It has now been decided that this conces-
sion should be extended to appointments to gazetted posts in the Central Services. The application of these
orders to recruitment to All-India Services is separately under consideration.

2. The above decision will take effect immediately. The Union Public Service Commission have agreed
that where the advertisements issued by them require that applications from candi~tes should reach the Com-
mission on a date falling within 15 days from the date of this Resolution, the last date for t:he receipt of
applications from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates will be. extended by two weeks. Other rec-
ruiting authorities for posts under the Government of India will also take similar, action wherever
necessary.
 Ministry of Home Affairs O.M. No. 24/7/(I)-Estt. SeT
dated the 24th September, 1968 to all Ministries etc.
Subject :- Recommendation No. 13 of the Working Gro:up to Stlu;tythe progress of measures for land
allotment to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and their representation in services-in-
service training.

The Working Group set-up under the Chairmanship of Shri M. R. Yardi. Additional Secretary, Ministry
of Home Affairs, to study the progress of measures for land allotment to Scheduled Castes and their representa-
tion in services has inter-alia made the following recommendation:-
Recommendation No. 13
«As an experimental measure, it would be desirable to select ~ best among the candidates being con-
sidered for selection, give them in-service training and confirm them only after they have aquired the
requisite proficiency. In the initial stages this could be confined to the non-technical and quasi-
technical posts."
2 Under the existing orders in respect of direct recruitment by competitive examination or by qualifying
examination, the recruiting authorities have the discretion to select Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates
by applying relaxed standards. The exact position in this regard has been explained in paragraphs 3 and 4 of
this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. 16/17/67-Est (C) dated the 8th February, 1968 (Copy enclosed). The
provisions of these paragraphs are again brought to the notice of the Ministries/Departments and other recruit-
ing authorities with the request to ensure that the orders in this regard are strictly complied with.
3. The Government have.considered the recomm~ndation of the Working Group reproduced in
paragraph I above and it has been decided to accept it in regard to non-technical and quasi technical Class III
and Class IV services/posts filled by direct recruitment otherwise than through a written examination i.e., by
direct recruitment on the basis of applications, nominations from Employment Exchange, whether followed by
interview or not Accordingly, in addition to the existing concessions referred to in para 2 above it has been
decided that with effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum until further orders in cases where the
requisite number of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates fulfllling even the lower standards are not
available to fill the vacancies reserved for them, the selecting authorities should, to the extent of the vacancies
reserved for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes in non-technical and quasi technical Class III and Class IV
Services/posts requiring to be filled by direct recruitment otherwise than by written examination, select for
appointment the best among the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates who fulfil the minimum
educational qualifications laid dowri in the notice for recruitment/advertisement, and in order to bring them up
to the minimum standard necessary for the posts and for the maintenance of efficiency of administration, they
should be given in-service training. The in-service training will be provided by the appointing authorities within
their own offices. Such candidates will, on their appointment, be placed on probation and the rules/orders
regarding probation will apply to them.
4. All Ministries/Departments are requested to bring these instructions to the notice of all authorities
under them.
5. This issues with the concurrence of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in so far as persons
serving under him are concerned.
 Ministry of Home Affairs O.M. No. 1/1/70-Estt. (SeT)
dated 25th July, 1970 to all Ministries etc.
Subject :-Selection of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes can.didates against reserved v~cancies-
Relaxation of standards.

According to the instructions in this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. 8/10/66-Estt. (C) dated the 15th
May, 1967, read with Office 'Memorandum No. 16/17/67-Estt. (C), dated the 8th FebrUary, 1968, if Scheduled
Casterrribe candidates obtained, according to their nornial position in the examination for direct recruitment,
less vacancies than the number reserved for them, the selecting authorities have discretion, in order to make up
the deficiency, to select candidates belonging to. these communities who may have obtained low place in the
examination. provided that such authorities are satisfied that the minimum standard necessary fOr maintenance
of efficiency of administration has been reached in their cases. Similarly, in direct recruitment otherwise than by
examination, if Scheduled Castesrrribes candidates obtain, on the basis of the general standard, less vacancies
than the number reserved for them, the selecting authorities can, in order to. make up the deficiency, select
Scheduled Casterrribe candidates Who.may be ofa lower standard than candidates of other communities,pro-
vided such candidates satisfy the minimum standard necessary for maintenance of effiHency of administration.
the extent of relaxation of standard, while judging the suitability of Sbheduled CastelTribe candidates, both in
direct recruitment by examination and otherwise than by examination. is thus at present decided by the select-
ing authority in the case of each category of post or posts. It has now beep. decided that. in the case of direct rec-
ruitment, whether by examination or otherwise, if sufficient number of Scheduled Casterrribe candidates are not
available on the basis of the general standard to fill all the vacancies reserved for theql, candidates belonging to
these communities may be selected to fill up the remaining vacancies reserved for them. provided they are not
found unfit for such post or posts. Thus, to the extent the number of vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes cannot be fJ.1ledon the basis of the general standard, candidates belonging to these com-
munities will, as at present, be taken by relaxed standard to make up the deficiency in the reserved quota, sub-
ject to the fitness of these candidates for appointment to the post/posts hi question.
2. Ministry of Finance etc. are requested to bring the above instructions to the notice of all appointing
authorities under them .including public sector undertakings and statutory, semi-Government and
autonomous bodies.
 Department of Personnel O.M. No. 8/12/69-Estt. (SeT)
dated 23rd December, 1970 to all Ministries etc.

Subject :- Relaxation of standards in favour of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates in

departmental competitive examinations for promotion and in departmental confirmation
examinations.

Attention of the Ministry of Finance etc. is invited to Ministry of Home Affairs O.M. No. 1I1/7o-Est.
(SCT) dated the 25th July, 1970, in which it has been provided that in the case of direct recruitment, whether by
examination or otherwise, if sufficient number of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates are not avail-
able on the basis Of the general standard to fill all the vacancies reserved fat them, candidates belonging to these
communities may be selected to fill up the remaining vacancies reserved for them provided they are not found
unfit for appointment to such post or posts. A question has been raised whether relaxation in the qualifying
standards could be. granted to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates on the same basis in promotions
made through departmental competitive examinations and in departmental confi~ation examinations where
such examinations are prescribed to determine the suitability of candidates for confirmation. The matter has
been carefully considered and it has been decided that in promotions/confirmations made through such
examinations, Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates who have not acquired the general qualifYing
standards in such examinations could also be considered for promotions/confirmations provided they are not
found unfit for such promotions!confirmations. In other words, the qualifying standards in these examinations
could be relaxaed in favour of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates in keeping with the above
criterion.
 Department of Personnel O.M. No. 21/9/70-Estt. (SeT)
dated 8th December, 1971 to aU Ministries etc.
Subject :-Relaxation of age limit for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates in promotion to
various services.

In accordance with tm Ministry,Df Home Affairs}tesolution No. 42/19/51-NGS, dated the 25th June, 1952
and No. 15/1/55-SCT,dated the 30th April, 1955,the maximum age limit prescribed for appointment to a service
or post is to be increased by 5 years in the case of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.
This relaxation is being granted in all services/posts fill by direct recruitment Enquiries made from different
MinistrieslDepartments regarding the upper age limit prescribed for posts/services f11ledby promotion reveal
that for a large number of posts/services, either no upper age limit has been prescribed or where such limit is
prescribed, a relaxation of 5 years is already being granted in favour of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
employees. The question whether the upper age limit prescribed in posts/services f11ledby promotion should be
relaxed in favour of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes where such relaxation is at present not available has
been under the consideration of the Government It has now been decided that where an upper age limit not
exceeding 50 years is prescribed for promotion to a service post, it shall be relaxed by 5 years in favour of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The decision, however, would not apply to posts which have arduous
field duties or are meant for operational safety and to posts in para military organisations.

2. Ministry of Finance etc., are requested to bring the above decision to the notice of all authorities under
them and take appropriate action for amending the recruitment rules, wherever necessary.
 Department of Personnel O.M. No. 27/14/71-Estt. (SeT)
dated 30th January, 1973 to all Ministries etc.

Subject :-Filling of vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates-Number of

candidates to be called for interview.

The undersigned is directed to say that according to para 2 (e) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Office
Memorandum No.'1/1/70-Estl(SCT),'dated the 31StJuly, 1970,in direct recruitment made through examination
along with interView br in direct recrU'itment made otherwise than through examination, the interview of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates should be held on a separate day or sitting of the Selection
Committee so that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates are not judged in comparison with
general candidates and the Interviewing Authority/Board is/are prominently aware of the need for judging the
Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates by relaxed standards. It has been brought to the notice of this
Department that candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes though fulfilling an the prescribed
qualifications were sometimes not c'alled for interview. This matter has been considered and it has been decided
that in posts fined otherwise than through examination normally, six to seven candidates belonging to the com-
munity for which the post is reserved. may be caned for interview for each reserved vacancy, subject to
availabilltYof such'candidates fulfilling the qualifications prescribed for the post Where the response from the
Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates is exceptionally good, the recruiting authority may, having regard
to the merits of each case, can as many as 10 to 12 candidates of the respective category for each reserved
vacancy for purposes of interview/selection.

2. Ministry of Finance etc. are requested to bring the above instructions to the notice of all the appoint-
ing authorities under them.
 Office Memorandum No. F. 5/25/F.IV(B)/60, dated the 6th May, 1960
from the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure)
to all l\finistries of the Government of India, etc.

Subject :- Travelling allowance to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for interview by
Ministries etc. for appointment to advertised posts.

The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to the Ministry of Home Affairs Office Memorandum
No. 5/5(2)/59-SCT(n, dated 18th November, 1959,addressed to all Ministries etc. of the Government of lndia on
the above subject, and to say that the question of grant of T.A to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates
called for interview in connection with their appointment to posts under Government has been considered in
consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General. The President has been pleased to decide that when
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates are called for interview for appointment to Class III and IV
advertised posts, recruitment to which is made departmentally, (i.e., otherwise than through the U.P.S.C.), the
recruiting authority may allow such candidates single 3rd Class rail fares, chargeable by passenger train, by the
shortest route from the railway station nearest to their normal place of residence, or from which they actually
performed the journey, whichever is nearer to the place of interview, and back to the same station provided the
distance travelled by rail each way exceeds fifty miles. No extra charges, if any incurred for reserving seatl
sleeping berth in the train will, however, be re-imbursed to the candidates.
 Office Memorandum No. F. 5/25/E.IV(B)/60, dated the 21st September, 1960
from the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) to all Ministries etc.

Subject :- Travelling allowance to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for interview by
Ministries etc. for appointment to advertised posts.

The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. 5/25/E.IV(B)/
60, dated the 6th May, 1960, on the above subject. and to say that a question has been raised whether road
mileage will be admissible to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for interview for appoint-
ment to Class III and Class IV advertised posts if the journeys are made between stations not connected by rail.
It has been decided that for road journeys between stations not connected by rail the recruitnog authority may
anow such candidates actual bus fares or road mileage at the lowest rate for Government servant'i as admissible
under the Supplemetary Rules, whichever is less, provided the distance covered by road is more than 20 miles
each way.

2. It has also been decided that the provisions of this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. F. 5/25/E.IV(B)/
60, dated the 6th May. 1960 and para 1 above will apply to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates
called for a written test on the basis of which appointments to such Class III and Class IV advertised posts are
made. The travellhtg allowance to.the candidates caned for a written test will, however, be admissible subject to
the condition that the written test and any interview that may also be necessary would be held at oile and the
same station and on the same or adjacent days so that the candi4ate would get Travelling Allowance for only
one journey to and from the place of selection.
 Office Memorandum No. 5(25)-E.IV(B)/60, dated the 23rd November, 1960
from the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure)
to all Ministries of the Govetnment of India, etc.

Subject :- Travelling allowance to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for

interview/written test by Ministries etc. through Employment Exchange.

The undersigned isdirected to invite a reference to this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. F. 5/25-
E. IV(B)/60, dated the 6th May, 1960 and 21st September, 1960wherein orders were issued for the payment
of travelling allowance to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for inteniew/written.
test by the recruitment authorities for appointment to Class III and Class IV advertised posts recruitment to
which is made departmentally. Enquiries have been received from certain quarters whether the concession
under those orders may also be allowed to the candidates called by the recruiting authority for interview/
written test, through the Employment Exchanges. It has been decided that the orders mentioned above
should apply also to the candidates of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes called through the Employment
Exchanges, for interview/writteJ} test for appointment to Class III and Class IV posts, recruitment to which
is made departmentally.
 Office Memorandum No. F. 5(25)-E.IV(B)/60, dated the 22nd July, 1963
from the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure)
to all Ministries of the Government of India, etc.

Subject :- Travelling allowanee to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for

interview/written test by Ministries etc. for appointment to Class III and Class IV adver-
tised posts under Government recruitment to which is made departmentally.

The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to this Ministry's Office Memoranda of even num-
ber dated the 6th May, 1960, the 21st September, 1960 and the 23rd November, 1960 on the subject men-
tioned above and to stat~ that a question has been raised as to whether the concessions sanctioned therein
are admissible also to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates who are already in Central/State
Government services. It is hereby clarified that the term 'candidate' in the Office Memoranda cited above
does not include those who are already in Central/State Government service. Accordingly, the concessions
in question are not admissible to those candidates who are already in Central/State Government
service.

2. These orders have effect from the respective dates of the orders mentioned above but past cases
in which payments have been made under those orders to the candidates, who in the Central/State
Government service, need not be reopened.
 Ministry of Finance tDepartment of Expenditure) O.M. No. 5(25)-E.IV(B)/60
dated 19-6-72 to all Ministries/Departments etc.
Subject :- Travelling allowance to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for interview/
written test by Ministries etc. through Empolyment Exchange.

The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to this Ministry's Office Memorandum of even number
dated the 6th May, 1960, the 21st September, 1960 wherein orders were issued for the payment ofttavelling
allowance to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for interview/written test by the recruiting
authorities for appointment to Class In and Class IV advertised posts recruitment to which is made
departmentally.

2. A question has been raised as to what travelling allowance should be allowed for sea-journey per-
formed by the Scheduled Tribes candidates from the Union Territories of L.MA Island to attend interview/test
for recruitment to Class III and Class IV posts on the mainland as well as in the Island centreS. It has been
decided that for the above mentioned sea-journeys, the sea-passage by the lowest class (exclusive of diet charges)
may be reimbursed provided the distance covered by sea is more than thirty kilometres each way.

3. In their applicatiol'. to the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue after consulta-
tion with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
 Ministry of Finance O.M. No. 19014(2)-E.IV(B)/74
dated 25-1-75 tQ all Ministries/Departments etc.
Subject :- Travelling allowance to SC/ST candidates called for interview/written test by Ministries
etc.

The undersigned is directed to invite attention to this Ministry's O.M. No. F. 5(25)-E.IV(B)/60, dated
22-7-1963,which clarifies that SC/ST candidates already in service under Central/State Government will not be
entitled to the concessions granted in this Ministry's Office Memoranda No. F. 5(25)-E.IV(B)/60. dated the
6-5-1960, the 21-9-1960 and tl).e 23-11-1960.

It is now further clarified that the concessions will also not be admissible to SC/ST candidates who are
already in service in Central/State Qovernment, Corporations, Public Undertakings, Local Government,
Institutio~s and Panchayats .
.
Past cases in which payments have already been made need not be reopened.
 Department of Personnel & A.R. O.M. No. 27/l0/71-Estt. (SeT)
dated the 5th September, 1975 to all Ministries etc.
Subject :-Requi~ment regarding experience in a particular field or post-Question of relaxation in the
case of' Scheduled Castesrrribes candidates.

In this Department's Office Memorandum No. 27/IOnl-Estt (SCn dated the 28th August, 1971.views of
the Ministries/Departments w~re invited on the ques.tion of relaxation of the requirement regarding experience
in a particUlar field or post for recruitment to posts/services under the Government in the case of Scheduled
Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates. This matter has been carefully considered in the light of the views of the
Ministries/Departments, and in consultation with the Union Public Service Commission. It has now been
decided that where some period of experience is prescnbed as an essential qualification for direct recruitment to
a post, and where, in the opinion of the Ministry/Department concerned,; the relaxation of the ,experience
qualificatio~ will' not be incons~tent with efficiency, a provision should be inserted under the 'Essential'
qualifica~ion in column 76£ the' Schedule to the relevant Recruitment Rules. as indicated ati(a) or (b) below. to
enable the UPSC/competent authority to relax the 'experience' qualification in the case of Scheduled Castes/
Scheduled Tnbes candidatesin the circumstances mentioned in the provisions:-
(a) Where the post is filled by direct recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission. the
provision to be inserted will be:-
"The qualification regarding experience is relaxable at the discretion of the Union Public Service
CommissioR in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, if
at any stage of selection the Union Public Service Commission is of the opinion that sufficient
number of candidates from these communities possessing the requisite experience are not likely
to be available to fill up the vacancies reserved for them."
(b) Where the post is filled by direct recruitment otherwise than through the UPSC, the provision to be
inserted will be:-
''The qualification regarding experience is relaxable at the discretion of the competent authority in
the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, if at any stage of
selection, the competent authority is of the opinion that sufficient number of candidates from
these communities possessing the requisite experience are not likely to be available to fill up the
vacancies reserved for them".
2 The Ministry of Finance, etc. are accordingly requested to review the Recruitment Rules of all the
posts in Class I, Class II, Class III and Class IV under them, and to make suitable provision, wherever necessary,
in the Recruitment Rules as mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
3. When any vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are advertised or intimated
to the Employment Exchange, it should be specifically me~tioned in the advertisement/requisition that the
period of experience prescribed is relaxable, at the discretion of the UPSC or the competent authority, as the
case may be, in the case of Scheduled Castesffribes candidates as provided in the Recruitment Rules. This is
intended to ensure that the aspirants who may fall slightly short of the requisite experience come to know about
the possibility of relaxation in their regard.
4. Ministry of Finance, etc. are requested to bring the above instructions to the notice of all
concerned.
 Department of Personnel & A. R. O.M. No. 42015/3/75-Estt.(C)
dated the 16th January, 1976 to all Ministries etc.

As the Ministry of Finance etc. are aware, to improve the work environment of sweepers, farashes, etc.,
who are at the lowest rung of the society and who are already in service, MinistrieslDepartmehts were requested
vide this Department's OM. of even number dated the 5th September, 1975 to amend the Recruitment Rules for
the post of peons under them in consultation with this Department to provide for appointment of tranfer of
sweepers, farashes, etc. possessing the qualifications prescribed for direct recruitment to the post, to the extent
such persons are available.

2. This question was further. considered at the 6th meeting of the High Power Committee under the
Chairmanship of the Prime Minister and it was observed, that the minimum educational qualifications may not
be insisted upon in their case, because the existing sweepers and farashes may not be.in a position to acquire
those qualifications as are prescribed fot: the post of peon. Therefore, it was decided by the High Power Commit-
tee, that in their cases. the question of relaxation of educational qualifications should be sympathetically con-
sidered, if they possess elementary literacy and give proof of ability to read in Hindi. After carefully considering
the qoestion, it has been decided, that 25% of the vacancies accruing in the peons cadre should be reserved for
being filled by transfer from sweepers, farashes, chowkidars, etc. who have put in a minimum of five year's ser-
vice and who may not be possessing the qualifications prescribed for direct recruitment to the post but who may
possess elementary literacy and give proof of ability to read in Hindi. For the purpose of determining whether
such sweepers, farashes, chowkidars, etc. possess elementary literacy and have ability to read in Hindi, it would
be necessary to hold a simple written test MinistrieslDepartments are accordingly requested to amend the Rec-
ruitment Rules for the post of peons under them in consultation with this Department to reserve 25% of the
vacancies occurring in the cadre of peons for appointment on transfer of sweepers, farashes, chowkidars, etc.
who do not possess the qualifications prescribed for direct recruitment to the post of peon but who possess
elementary literacy and give proof of ability to read in Hindi and have put in 'five year's service in
the parent cadre. .
 Deplt. of Personnel & A.R. O.M. No. 36011/9/76-Estt. (SeT)
dated 14..7-76 to all Ministries etc.

Subject :-Relaxation of age limit for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other special categories of
persons-provision in the Recruitment Rules.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the instructions contained in the Ministry or Rome Affairs O.M.
No. 42/19/51-NGS dated 25-6-1952 and No. 15/1/55-SCT dated 30-4-1955 according to which th~ maximum age-
limit prescribed for direct recruitment to a service or post is incr~asedby five years in the case of candidates
belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Further aecording to the instructions in Department of
Personnel and AR.. O.M. No. 21/9/7Q-Estt.(SCT) dated 8-12-1971 where an upper age-limit not exceeding 50
years is prescribed for promotion to a service/post, it shall be relaxed by 5 years in the case of candidates belong-
ingto Scheduled Castes:and Scheduled Tribes, except in posts which havecarduous field duties or are meant for
operational'safety and in posts in para-military organisations. The'maximum age-Umit prescribed for direct rec-
roitment to a servi~ or post is alsorelaxable in the case of certain special categories of persons e.g. migrants
from East PaJdstan(now Bangladesh), migrants from East Mrlcan countries, ex-servicemen in certain cases etc.
according to the various orders issued in this i-egard. According to the instructions in the Ministry orHome
Affairs O.M. No. 4/1/55-R'1>S dated 12th February, 1955, relaxation of age-limit should "normally be made only
where the recruitment rules provide 'for such relaxation. The recruitment rules which inter-alia prescribed the age
limit for a post/service, should, therefore,' contain the following proviso:-

"Provided that the upper age-limit prescribed may be relaxed'in the case of candidates belonging to the
Scheduled Castes,Scheduled Tribes and other special categories of persons in accordance with the
orders issued from time to time by the Central Government." ,

The Committee on Subordinate Legislation has however pointed out in para 182 of its 12th Report that
the Recruitirtent Rules for posts under certain Ministries/Departments did not contain the above mentioned pro-
viso. ThtfCommittee has desired that all Ministries/Departments should take necessary action to amend their
recruitment rules so as to incorporate therein the proviso on the above mentioned lines, wherever it has not
already been done. The recommendation of the Committee is accordingly brought to the notice of the
Ministries/Departments for implementation. Ministries/Departments are requested to review the recruitment
roles in respect of posts under them and to include a proviso therein on the above mentioned lines
wherever necessary.
 Department of Personnel & AdministrativttReforms O.M.;.No. 36021/10/76-Estt. (SeT)
dated 21st January, 1977 .to illl Ministri~s ~tc.>
Subject:-Relaxation of standfli"ds in the case of Sche4uled C.astesffribe candidates in qualifying
examinations for promotion to the higher grade on the basis of seniority subject to
fitness~

The undersigned i~ djrected to refer to this· Department's Office Memora4um No. 8/12/69-Estt. (SC1),
dated the 23rd Decem~r. 1970 in which it has been provided that in promotions made througJi departmental
competitive examinations and in departmental confirmatiop. examinations. if sufficient number of Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates are not available on the basis of the general standard to fill the vacancies
reserved for them, cand~dates belongingw these. communities who have,1).ot acquired the gener~l qualifying
standard should alsP be considered for PI'Qp,19,qon!confumation provided they are ~ot found unfit for such
promotion/confirmation. A question has been rjJisedwhether relaxation in qualifying standards should be &tan-
ted to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tnbes candidates, on the' same basis, in promotions. on the ba~i~ of
seniority subject to fitness, where fitness is dicided on the basis of qualifying examination. The matter has been
carefully considered an4 itJ1as now been: decided that in promotions made on.the basis of seniority subject to
fitness in which there is reservation .for Scheduled Castes and. Scheduled Tribes in accordance with this
Department's Oaice Memorandum: No. 27/2/71-Est\. (set>, dated the 27th NoveUlber, 1972, and where a
qualifying examination is held to determine the fitness of candidates for such promotion, suitable relaxation in
the qualifying standard in sucll exaUlinations should .be made in the case of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe
candidates. The extent of relaXation should however, be decided 011 each occasion whenever such an examina-
tion is held taking into account all relevant factors including (i) the number of vacancies reserved, (ii) the perfor-
mance of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates as well as general candidates in that examination, (Hi)
the minimum standard of fitness for appointment to the post, and also (iv) the overall strength of the cadre and
that of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in that cadre.

2 The Ministry of Finance etc., are requested to bring the above decision to the notice of all
authorities concerned.
 Deptt. of Personnel & A.R. O.M No. 42015/1/76-Estt.(C)
dated 2-2-77 to the Ministries/Departments, etc.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the Department of Personnel's a.M. No. 4201S/3nS-Estt.(C), dated
16th January, 1976 regarding reservation of 25% vacancies in the Peons cadre for being fllled by transfer from
Sweepers, Farashes, Chowkidars etc. wlJ.o have put in minimum of S years· of service and who may not be
possessing the qualifications prescribed for· direct recruitment for the post but who may possess elementary
literacy and give proof of ability. to read in Hindi:

2 It was, however, felt that the condition· regarding "ability to read in Hindf' might cause hardship to
Sweepers, Farashes etc. working in offices under Central Government and Union Territory Administrations
situated in non-Hindi speaking area. The matter accordingly came up again for consideration at the meeting of
the High Powe'iCommittee held under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister on 12th November, 1976 and it
was decided that in view of the practical considerationS involved, Sweepers, Farashes, etc. who possess elemen-
tary literacyatld give proof of ability to read either English· or Hindi or Regioriallanguage could be Collsidered
for transfer to the Peons cadre in the 25% vacancies reserved fpr them and the instructions· contained in the a.M.
dated 16-1-1976 cited above stand amended to that extent

3. The Ministry of Finance etc. are requested to amend their recruitment rules for the post of Peon accor-
dingly in consultation with this Department .
 Ministry of Finance (Deptt. of -Expenditure) O.M. No. 19014/2/77-E.IV(B)
dated 27-10-77 to all the Ministries/Departments, etc.
Subject :-Payment of travelling allow~nce to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for
interview by the Subordinate Services Commission for appointment to Groups 'c' & 'D'
posts.

Tl\e undersigned is directed to invite a reference to this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. 5/25/E.IV(B)/
60, dated the 6th May, 1960, as amended from time. to time, which provides for the payment of travelling
allowance to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for interview for appointment to class III and
class IV (now Group C&D) advertised posts recruitment to which is made departmentally. It has now been
decided that travelling allowance under the aforesaid orders may also be allowed to the Scheduled Castes/
Scheduled Tribes candidates called for interview by the Subordinate Services Commission for appointment to
Groups C & D advertised posts under the Government of India.
 Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 19014/3/77-EIV(B)
Dated 17th Feb. 1978
Subject :- Travelling allowance to SC/ST candidates caned for interview/written test by Ministries
etc.

The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. 5/25/E IV(B)/
60 dllted the 6th May, 1960, as amended from fimeto time, and to say that tli.ePresidenthas been pleased to
decide that the provisions or these orders will also llpply to SC/ST candidates who are not already in the service
of thiCentral/a State Government, a Central/State Government Corporation, Public Sector Undertaking, local
Government Institution or Panchayat called for interview/written test for appointment to groups A & B posts
recruitlnent to which is made otherwise than through the Union Public Service Commission. In case of recruit-
ment made through the Union· Public SerVice Commission, the SC/ST candidates will continue to get T.A under·
the separate orders on the subject.

2. A question has also been raised whether the concessions mentioned in the aforesaid orders will be
admissible to the SC/ST candidates called for interview/written test for appointment against reserved vacancies
only. It is hereby clarified that SC/ST candidates will be entitled to T.A under the aforesaid orders irrespective
of whether the interview/test is for appointment against posts reserved for them or not

3. In their application to the Indian Audit and Accounts Department these orders issue after consulta-
tion with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
 Department of Personnel&. 'A.R. O.M. No. 36011/6/79-Estt.(SCT) I

dated the 19th April, 1979 to all Ministries etc.

Subject :-Relaxation of standards in the case of' Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates in qualify-
ing examinations for promotion.

The undersigned is directed to refer toithis Department's O.M.-No. 36021/10176-Estt.(SCn. dated 21-1-17
in-which it has been provided that in promotions made on the basis-ofseniority subject to fitness where there is
reservation for Scheduled Castes;and Scheduled Tribes in accordance with the Department of Personnel &. A.R.
O.M. No, 27/2171-Estt.(SCT), dated the 27th November, 1972, and where-a-qualifying exa~ination is held to
determine the fitness of candidates for such promotion, suitable relaxation in the qualifying standards in such
examinations should be made in the case of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates. The extent of relaxa-
tion in such cases is to be decided on each occassion taking into account all relevant factors including (i) the
number of vacancies reserved;. (ii} the performance of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe· candidates as well as
general candidates in that examination; (Hi) the minimum standard of fitness for appointment to the post; and
also (iv) the overall strength of the cadre and that of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in that cadre. A
question has been raised whether similar ralaxation of standards could be made in favour of Scheduled Castel
Scheduled Tribe candidates in departmental qualifying examinations for promotion in cases where promotion is
made by selection (and not on the basis of seniority subject to fitness). It has now been decided that in the case
also of departmental qualifying examinations held for promotion to be made on the basis of selection in which
there is reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in accordance with para 2(B)(b) of this
Department's O.M. No. l/12/67-Estt.(C) dated 11-7-68 and No. IO/41/73-Estt.(SCn. dated 20-7-74 (read with rele-
vant amending orders viz. O.M. No. 27/25/68-Estt.(SCn, dated 25-3-70 and O.M. No. 36021/7/75-Estt.(SCT).
dated 25-2-76 suitable relaxation should be made in the case of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates in
the Departmental qualifying examinations in question. In such cases the extent of relaxation should be decided
on each occasion whenever a qualifying examination is held taking into account all relevant factors such as
those referred to at items (i) to (iv) in this Office Memorandum.
 Subject :-R¢laxationof Upper Age Limit for Departmental Candidates for appointment 'for Group 'C'
and 'D' posts in their own Departments.

In terms ofiiS Department's O.M. No. 4/4/74-Estt.(D), dated the 20th July, 1976 for di.rect recruitment in
Group C and D p ts/services, the upper age limit will be relaxable upto the ago. of 3$ years in respect of per-
sons who are worki g in posts. which are in the same line or allied cadres and where a relationship could be
established that the! service rendered in the Department will be useful for efficient discharge of the duties in
other categories of posts in the same Department, provided the age concession will be admissible only where an
employee has rendered not less than three years continuous service in the same Department

An enquiry has been made as to whether Departmental candidates belonging to SC/ST would be eligible
for a concession of 5 years over the age of 35 years for purposes of recruitment in· terms of the O.M. quoted
above. It is clarified that for Departmental SC/ST candidates satisfying the above conditions, the upper age limit
will be ralaxable upto 40 years.
 Subject :-Recruitment regarding experience in a particular field or post-question of relaxation in the
case of SC/ST candidates-further· clarification read.

Attention is invited to Department of Personnel & A R. O.M. No. 27/10/71-Estt (SCT), dated 5th Septem-
ber, 1975 on the above subject by which a provision should be inserted under the 'essential' qualification in
colulIln 7 of the schedule to the rele~nt Recruitment Rules for relaxing the essential qualification in favour of
SC/ST,:eandidates in direct re~ruitment to a post. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation has recommended
that the foot-note in column 7 of the Recruitment Rules should be. further expanded by adding the
following sentence.

"The appointing authority shall record the reasons for relaxing the qualifications regarding experience' in
writing while doing so."

Ministries/Departments etc. are requested to bring the above recommendation to the notice of all
concerned.
 Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure O.M. No• .19014/2/80 E. IV
dated 2nd Nov. 1982
Subject :- Travelling Allowance to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for interview by
1.1inistries/Departments etc. for appointment to advertised posts.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry'S Office Memoranda No. F. 5(25)lE.IV(B)/60 dated 6-
5-1960 and No. F.5(25)-E.IV (B)/60Dt. 21'-9-1960, as amended from time to time on the above subject and to say
that the President has been pleased to decide that Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes candidates called for
interview for appointtnent to advertised posts, recruitment to which is made· departmentally, may be reimbursed
Second Class r~il fare or bus filre chargeable by the shortest route from Railway Station/Bus Stand nearest to
their normal place of residence or from which they actually perform the journey, whichever is nearer to the
place of interview and back to the same station, provided that the fare of the first 30 kl11s.(thirty Kilometers) in
both cases (i.e. rail or road), is borne by the candidates and the reimbursement restricted to the fare in respect of
the balance of distance exceeding 30 Kms. both ways.
 Department of Personnel and Training D. M~(No. 36011/8/84-Estt. (SeT)
dated 29th May, 1985
Subject :-Educational qualification and educational standards prescribed in the recruitment roles relaxa-
tion for SC/ST.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the subject men.tioned above and to say that references' have been
rebei\l'ed'by this Minist:ry<Ybnthe issue whether educational standard (in percentage of marks obtained in the
qualifying' academic examination), presCribed in the relevant recruitment rules, ·canbe relaxed in favour of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates.

2 The matter has been considered carefully in this Ministry. h has been decided that minimum
educational sta~4ard, whenever prescribed in the recruitment rules, is to be treated as part of the educational
qualification, and since there is no relaxation permitted in favour of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
with regard to educational qualification, no relaxation is consequen~y admissible in the matter of educational
standards as well. For example, if graduation with 60 per cent marks is specifically provided in the recruitment
~lelJor a particular pO$t."then all the candidates,includipg the candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and
~~duled Tribes, have .to fulm ,this eligibility condition in terms of non-relaxable .education qualification in
or~to be considered ro'r ap~intment and no special dJ-spensation .•in respect of any specific category of
employees either exist or is to be extended in regard to the educational qualification (which is graduation) and
the educational standard (which is 60 per cent).
".'

3. Ministry. of Fina~ce etc. are. requested. to bring the contents of this Office Memorandum to the notice
of all their attached and s»bordinate qffices.
 Department of Personnel and Training O.M. No. 36011/3/84-Estt. (SeT)
dated 1st JulYt 1985
Subject :••.•Full exemptipn of fees payable by SC/ST candidates for admission to any recruitment
examination!selection.

As the Ministry of Home Affairs etc. are aware, the fees prescribed for admission to any examination!
recruitment is to be reduced to one-fourth in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes. The Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has, in its Second Annual
Report for the year 1979-1980 had made the following recommendation.

Ree~mmendatlCMI No. 423 (para 9.186)

''The Commission recommend that full .exemption of fees payable by the Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tn'bes candidates for admission to any recruitment examination/selection may be allowed
in order to alleviate their financial difficulty."

The above recommendation has been considered in this Ministry, in conSUltation with Ministry of
Finance, and it has nowbeen decided that in modification of the existing orders, the candidates belonging to
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will not be required to pay and fees for admission to any recruitment
examination/selection.

These orders take effect from 1st July, 1985. However, in respect of recruitment for which the notices/
advertisements have been published or would tie published by the 30th June, 1985,the payment of fees shall be
regulated in terms of the Ministry of Home Affairs resolution No. 42/21/49-NGS dated 13-9-1950.

Ministry of Home Affairs etc. are requested to bring the above contents to the notice of all
concerned.
 Department of Personnel and Training O.M. No. 36011/8/84-Estf. (SeT)
dated 17th Oct. 1986.
Subject :-Educational qualification and standard prescribed in the recruitment rules-relaxation for
SC/ST.

Instructions were issued in the Ministry of Home Affairs O.M. No. 1/1/7G-Estt. (SCT) dated 25-7-70
regarding selection of SC/ST candidates against the reserved vacancies by direct recruitment. Subsequently cer-
tain clarification were issued in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions O.M. No. 36011/8/
lj4-Estt. (SCT) dated 29-5-85. A number of references have been received enquiring whether the OM dated
25-7-70has been modified or amended by the OM dated 29-5-85.While clarifying that the OM dated 25-7-70 has
not been modified or amended by the OM dated 29-5-85,in order to remove all doubts it has been decided to
supercede the OM dated 29-5-85 and to state the correct position regarding concession to SC & ST candidates in
direct recruitment:

(i) Where an educational qualification has been prescribed in the recruitment rules, all candidates
including the SC & ST candidates shall satisfy the said qualification. Sometimes, a minimum num-
ber of marks or a minimum grade is also prescribed as part of the educational qualification in the
recruitment rules. In such cases, the minimum marks/grade so prescribed shall also uniformly apply
to all candidates including SC & ST candidates.
(ii) In case of direct recruitment through an examination or an interview, the selecting authority shall
determine the minimum standard for purpose of selection at the examination or at the
interview.
(Hi) :;·Selectionshall be made according to the place or rank obtained in the examination or at the inter-
:view, subject to fulfl1ling the minimum standard referred to above
(iv) -However, if adequate number of SC and ST candidates who satisfy the minimum standard are not
available to fill t\le reserved vacancies, then SC and ST candidates may be selected to the extent of
shortfall in vacancies by relaxing the minimum standard, provided that they are not considered unfit
to hold the post.
No. AB-14017/27/89-Estt (RR) Government of India, Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances
& Pensions, Department of Personnel and Thaining New Delhi the 20th June, 1989 to All
Ministries/Departments

The Undersigned is directed to say tha't a Committee of Members of Parliament. which examined matters
relating to representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Government services has recommended
that tnbals should, as far as possible, be posted near their native place.

2. The recommendation has been examined carefully. It may not be possible or desirable to lay down
that holders (belonging to SC/ST) of Group 'A' or Group 'B' posts who have all India transfer liability should be
posted near their native places. It has, however, been decided that in the case of holders of Group 'C' and Group
'D' posts who have been recruited on regional basis and who belong to Scheduled Tribes may be given posting
as far as possible, subject to administrative constraints near their native places within the region.